2010 BMW Z4
The 2010 BMW Z4 (E89) is a two-seat roadster or coupe known for its sporty handling and stylish design. Engine options include the sDrive30i powered by a naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-6 producing 255 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque, the sDrive35i which uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 making 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and the top-of-the-line sDrive35is boasting a tuned version of the same twin-turbo 3.0L producing 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The sDrive30i was generally equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the sDrive35i offered either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The sDrive35is came exclusively with the 7-speed DCT. Owners often praise the Z4’s responsive steering, powerful engine options (especially the turbocharged variants), and the retractable hardtop, which offers the security and quietness of a coupe. Common complaints include limited storage space, a firm ride (especially on models with sport suspension), and potential for higher maintenance costs associated with BMWs in general.
Engine
N52 3.0L Inline-6 (sDrive30i)
- Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the top front of the engine. Burning oil smell, low oil level. Visible oil residue around the oil filter housing.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Valve Cover Gasket Leak
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the top of the engine. Burning oil smell, low oil level. Visible oil residue around the valve cover.
- Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
N54/N55 3.0L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 (sDrive35i, sDrive35is)
- High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idle, hesitation under acceleration, engine stalling, check engine light.
- Solution: Replacement of the HPFP.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Wastegate Rattle (Turbochargers)
- Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise coming from the engine bay, especially during cold starts or low RPM acceleration. Caused by excessive play in the turbocharger wastegate actuators.
- Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers or, in some cases, repair of the wastegate actuator (though replacement is more common).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ (turbocharger replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks (Valve Cover, Oil Filter Housing, Oil Pan)
- Description/Symptoms: Burning oil smell, low oil level, visible oil leaks on the engine.
- Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets (valve cover, oil filter housing, oil pan).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: Valve Cover: $300 - $500+; Oil Filter Housing: $200 - $400+; Oil Pan: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Fuel Injector Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, check engine light. Can be caused by injector failure or carbon buildup on the injector tips.
- Solution: Cleaning or replacement of fuel injectors.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per injector (replacement), $200-$400+ (cleaning)
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
7-Speed DCT (sDrive35i, sDrive35is)
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, transmission slipping, failure to engage gears, transmission malfunction warning light.
- Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the mechatronic unit (the transmission’s control unit).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Clutch Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Slipping during acceleration, jerky shifting, difficulty engaging gears.
- Solution: Clutch replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Damper Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, leaking fluid on shock absorbers
- Solution: Replacement of dampers.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $600-$1200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Cracked Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise coming from the corners. Uneven ride height.
- Solution: Replacement of springs
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Faulty Comfort Access System
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent failure of the keyless entry and start system. Difficulties locking/unlocking doors or starting the car.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair/replacement of faulty door handle sensors, antenna amplifiers, or the CAS module.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ (depending on the component)
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Car battery frequently dying, especially after sitting for short periods.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the source of the parasitic drain (e.g., faulty module, improperly shut-off system).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the complexity)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Retractable Hardtop Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Failure of the roof to open or close, unusual noises during operation, error messages on the dashboard.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of hydraulic pump, sensors, or linkages.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ (depending on the cause)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sticking or Broken Cup Holders
- Description/Symptoms: The cup holders are known to be fragile and can easily break or become stuck.
- Solution: Replacement of the cup holders.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2010 BMW Z4 presents a mix of potential issues, ranging from relatively minor annoyances to more serious mechanical and electrical problems. Engine issues like oil leaks and HPFP failure (particularly on the turbocharged models) can be costly. Transmission problems, especially with the DCT, can also result in expensive repairs. Electrical gremlins can be difficult to diagnose. While many owners enjoy the Z4’s performance and style, prospective buyers should be aware of the potential for higher maintenance costs and factor this into their purchasing decision.